Synthetic studies of pseurotin A: preparation of an advanced lactam aldehyde intermediate

An efficient synthesis of the lactam core of pseurotin A has been accomplished. Key features of this synthesis include a tandem oxidation-cyclization to form the lactam from an acetylenic amide precursor. Although coupling of a lactam aldehyde with an appropriate side chain was not effective, it is anticipated that incorporating a partial side chain at an earlier stage should permit completion of the total synthesis of pseurotin A.